I remember the first time I watched Federer play 12 years ago and thought he was talented, extremely talented but I had no expectation as I knew gifted players usually tend to be under-achievers in today's world. I started to believe in him right after his win v Sampras just to be disappointed for a further couple of years.
10 years on, he has achieved all the goals I wanted him to and much more. Though I think he should have achieved between 25 and 30 slams I am simply happy with his current record. Today I have a feeling of wholeness as a tennis fan and it is very unlikely any result will upset me from now on. I do not see holes in his records, no Grand Slam (or lack off rather), No H2H, No Gold Medal can irritate me nowadays. There are circumstantial reasons why he did not achieve more and there is no point dwelling into those now…I will not care much whether he loses this USO or doesn’t win another slam ever. Fed who learnt to play tennis with a tiny frame wilson 85sq and natural gut, at a time where a serve and a volley was far more important than the size of your lungs and legs is still mesmerising his opposition and fans by his grace and outstanding timing. His game when fit is still a couple of notches ahead everybody else and that’s all that matter for me now.
Though I am happy for his achievement, I feel there is little that can keep me excited in the tennis world nowadays. I will watch Federer decline and retire without sadness and will keep an eye on the new comers but it is very unlikely, unless they have that special gift, that I’ll follow the game as intensely as I have the last 10 years. I really have to thank him for those great 10 years as a tennis fan as I have no more expectations.
Consecration of a tennis poster!
posted on 19/8/12
It's true. I am realising that tennis is getting less and less important.
posted on 20/8/12
That is good of you Tenez, a tribute to your favorite player without offending anyone. Rarity on these boards.
Being a Djokovic supporter, I still think Djoko will end up with a positive H2H against Fed but that is almost besides the point. Federer has already achieved everything he wanted to and played some great tennis so he does not need to prove anything to anyone, I agree.
posted on 20/8/12
More of the same form a different fan:
http://ourtennisforum.forumotion.co.uk/t66-roger-federer-revisited
posted on 20/8/12
Thanks Bladegunner. Do you often post here?
posted on 20/8/12
Not often, Tenez, but every now and then. I don't mind people bigging up their own favorite players as long as they maintain some basic respect for their rivals.
posted on 20/8/12
Well I am not bigging up...and not disrespecting players. I just describe what I see and feel. Fans however might be reading me as bigging up some and disrespecting others.
posted on 20/8/12
nice article tenez.
posted on 21/8/12
I can relate to the OP. Although i know things will be different when he plays a final set GS final.
To be honest, i didn't care much for the Olympic tennis tournament but the semi against Delpo is one of the most exhausting matches i have ever watched. Even though i like Delpo..
posted on 23/8/12
Just lovely post.
posted on 24/8/12
I don't know where it came from, but it just came out of nowhere ( which takes me back to my still unanswered self-question "where do thoughts come from?", this thought to hear this piece of music on whose wings my soul flew during all those weeks and months of Nole's Streak.
I then played all the other pieces that landmarked slams he played in and stopped at Wimbledon, which is when that fountain fo poetic light dried up. Like a dead ed you never expected and thought of, but in hindsight know it had to happen.
I suppose, I am trying to find another kick-start, and believe it may come. but those things come and you can't make them come. that's why they are precious and I don't care what everyone else thinks.
So, jus tlistening to those few pieces of music, , got a lump i the throat and misty eyes, and remebered this article.
I had a flashback of all the crazy things I said and did all the beautiful, beautiful moments Nole gave me during the last 5 years. I know he's probably half-way to Fed's 10 years. but I can't help having this "I'm missing him already" feeling.
I have not been a "classic" fan, but I have all my life been passionate abut sport and various athletes and teams, but never anything like Nole.
It's not hard to put into words, but it will take time and pour out when they are ready.
Your "relationship" with Federer is different but I can feel the void his leaving will cause you.
Void is definitely THE word. I dread mine.